Here’s my story: I studied Law (hours and hours of sitting down at University). I run an advertising agency (hours and hours of sitting down at the office). I was the manager of a rock star (hours and hours of sitting down at the office, at airports, during sound tests and shows). I had, clearly, a sedentary life. I never played sports, and since very young I was always dressed informal clothes and heels, really high heels. Finally, one day in 2012, because of tough situations in my life, I started learning tai chi chuan, just to “stop my mind”. That was my only goal.
From the very first day, I felt a released, comfortable and joyful feeling that I could not explain. After a few months, in 2013, I travelled to Brazil to study at the Jardim do Dharma. This is the very special place, in the forest, home of the Sao Paulo Yang Chengfu Tai Chi Chuan Center. That trip was inspirational and transformational! Everything changed: my interests, my habits, and my environment. No more heels, just sneakers. No more business suits, only track suits.
I have the privilege of being taught by Yang Family Disciples. Angela Soci and Roque Severino, on every visit, help me grow by leaps and bounds. Then there are GM. Yang Jun’s seminars. Every minute with him changes me; every explanation deepens my comprehension of the Art. And now, there are the regular trips to Rosario to practice with Master Rubén Coirini, who explains, shows, corrects and nurtures my daily will to progress and improve. Definitely, my formation rests in these four people. It makes a difference. I feel myself absolutely privileged.
As for my health: my balance, state of mind, and coordination has improved. Specifically, a recent scan of my bone density in 2016 shows since 2013 that it grew by 5%! The normal expectation, considering my age, is a decrease of 10% in three years. I cannot argue with that! This is above and beyond my feelings of joy and comfort.
A cold Densitometry machine certifies one of the benefits of regular tai chi chuan practice. Another benefit is the friends that I have met through tai chi chuan. It is just as important as my health; they are part of my quality of life. Relationships of different kinds: with some, it is an instant match; with others, there is work to do, done with empathy and compassion. Each of them helps me to improve myself. There are the strong relationships with people that I see, at least twice a year, and this seems to be part of my life since the very beginning of my study. To all of them, I am deeply grateful. The practice of Traditional Yang Family Tai Chi Chuan has improved my life, my health, my friendly relationships.
**Spanish version available in Segredo dos Mestres
* Viviana Uliarte is instructor and founder of Escuela Mendoncina de Tai Chi Chuan, and disciple of Master Yang Jun
http://www.vivitaichichuan.com/
Andrés Tejeda 678 – Dorrego – Mendoza
Teléfono: +54 9 261 6133550
Correo: informes@mendozataichi.com
Facebook: Escuela Mendocina de Tai Chi Chuan
This article has been originally published in Yang Family International Association’s journal and was kindly provided by the Association for publication in Segredo dos Mestres.
